The horsemeat scandal meant discussions around food traceability dominated the headlines this year and major food and drink retailers found their sustainability policies under the microscope.
It wasn't just the supermarkets under fire. An Oxfam report revealed that multinationals were falling short on their transparency initiatives, while soft drink companies faced questions over the ethical sourcing of gum arabic - an emulsifier produced in conflict-stricken Sudan.
On a more positive note the introduction of Fairphone, a new ethical smartphone, aims to prove that ethically-sourced products and true traceability are possible.
Here we share our top five stories.
1. Coffee and the consumer: can McDonald's mainstream sustainability?
McDonald's is marketing certified espresso and fish for the first time in the US. Why? Because consumers are finally starting to show they care
2. Oxfam report shows multinational companies failing on CSR goals
Corporate social responsibility programmes not focusing on transparency and supply chain operations, report says
3. Could Fairphone help clean up supply chains in the smartphone market?
A new ethical smartphone raises questions whether they can ever be truly conflict-free but it will certainly shake up the market
4. Why horsemeat is better than beef
It's usually free-range, a good source of iron and produces less methane than beef. And insects are even better
5. Gum arabic: the invisible ingredient in soft drink supply chains
Global soft drinks manufacturers are dependent on the emulsifier but with a lack of transparency over supply chains, sustainable gum arabic is hard to find
Get involved!
Let us know your favourite supply chain content from 2013 - was there a piece that you feel has a particularly strong message or gave you a fresh perspective? Did you find one article especially useful professionally? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @GuardianSustBiz.
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